Ernst F. Tonsing, Ph.D.

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – May 3, 2010) A retired California Lutheran University professor will talk about his second cousin Amelia Earhart during a free lecture at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 23.

Ernst F. Tonsing, Ph.D., will present “Amelia Earhart – My Cousin” in the Roth Nelson Room at CLU as part of the Scandinavian Lecture Series. A post-lecture reception will be held at the Scandinavian Center.

Tonsing will recall Earhart’s life and family stories about her in an illustrated talk. When the pilot disappeared in 1937 during her attempt to be the first person to fly around the globe, she was the most famous woman in the world. She had accomplished many firsts, including being the first after Lindbergh to fly solo across the Atlantic and from Hawaii to California, and being a test pilot for experimental aircraft, including the autogyro, the forerunner of the helicopter.

Her courageous and dramatic aviation records were only one part of her life, however. She was also an author, social worker, college professor, businesswoman, clothing designer, popular lecturer and a promoter of women’s rights. She repaired aircraft engines, danced with the Prince of Wales, and stole off with Eleanor Roosevelt for a midnight flight over Washington, D.C.

Tonsing, a professor of religion and Greek at CLU for 29 years before his retirement in 2003, has written more than 60 published articles and several books, including the 2009 50th anniversary edition of CLU’s history, “College of Our Dreams.” In February, the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation named the Thousand Oaks resident he Outstanding Scandinavian American of 2010.

The Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation and the CLU History Department are sponsoring the event.

The Roth Nelson Room is located on Mountclef Boulevard near Memorial Parkway. The Scandinavian Center is nearby at 26 Faculty Street.